Start11 Version: 2.81 crash incompatibility with the latest Windows update Win11 Version 26H2 (Build 26300.9711)

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Windows Version Number: Windows 11 Pro 26H2 (Build 26300.9711)
App Version: Start11 Version: 2.81

I am writing to report the same issues today, October 15, 2026, following the latest Windows 11 update. Start11 V2 has stopped responding; it now displays a black screen and freezes whenever I open the Start menu. The Start menu is extremely sluggish, prone to freezing, and appears with a black background. My operating system version details are as follows:

Windows 11 Pro (Genuine/Activated)
Version 26H2 (Build 26300.9711)
System Language: Portuguese (Brazil)

Start11 Version: 2.81
Software in use: Start11 V2 and Fences 6.58 . I have had to disable the Start11 features until an update from Stardock is released to resolve this. As a developer myself, I have investigated the issue and can confirm with 100% certainty that it stems from an incompatibility with the latest Windows update. You will likely see other users reporting this same problem soon.

Thank you, and I look forward to a fix so that I may continue using the software.

Stardock Software Start Menu Products start11 Type: Bug Report
44 views 1 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. I am on Windows 11 25H2 on OS Build 26200.9711. Windows don't get the 26H2 update for my system yet. And, I don't see your issue appear in my system. Also, there is no other report that I know, from other user with 26H2 updates, specifically issue on Black screen and Freezes. 

Perhaps, something went wrong while installing. Please try, uninstall Start11, reboot immediately (important), download latest version available in your account product download page: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products. Install it, reboot immediately again. Retest it and report back.

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant